VIX Emporium2015-03-03T19:14:50Zhttp://www.vixemporium.com/feed/atom/WordPressvixemporiumhttp://www.vixemporium.com/?p=38862015-03-03T19:14:50Z2015-03-03T19:14:50ZGo West Craft Fest is going to be amazing this spring! We’ve lined up 100 local crafters (some new faces as well as past favorites) for April 25’s fest at The Woodlands. With local food, live music and Tangle’s TinyCircus, this is shaping up to be the best Fest yet!

What [...]]]>

Go West Craft Fest is going to be amazing this spring! We’ve lined up 100 local crafters (some new faces as well as past favorites) for April 25’s fest at The Woodlands. With local food, live music and Tangle’s TinyCircus, this is shaping up to be the best Fest yet!

What will make it even greater is its upcoming feature in GRID magazine, the Philadelphia region’s free guide to all things local and sustainable. GRID’s April issue will include a 16-page Local Craft feature, all about Go West Craft Fest and 2 other Spring events, Crafty Balboa and Art Star Craft Bazaar. Its 30,000+ readers will find highlights on selected vendors and performers, as well as general information about all of these community-building events. We are so glad and grateful for this HUGE opportunity to spread the word about Philly’s thriving craft scene!

The deadline is Friday, March 6 to be included in this issue, which will hit the streets in early April. We highly encourage participating vendors (of any of the 3 shows), local eateries, arts organizations and entrepreneurs to reserve space in this insert. GRID and its readers are avid supporters of small, creative, independent businesses, which is why VIX has supported them since their start in 2009. Find more details here about this unique media partnership, including (very reasonable) ad rates and contact information.

We can’t wait to see the finished product, which will reach throughout the Philly region (and online) and will also be distributed at all 3 events. Don’t miss this unique opportunity to get your business noticed by craft devotees, small business supporters and festival-goers.

See you at the Fest!

XO
VIX

]]>0vixemporiumhttp://www.vixemporium.com/?p=38672015-02-17T14:01:47Z2015-02-17T14:01:47ZJust a quick note that since schools are closed today, we’ll be closed too, to dig our way out of the snow that has blanketed the region. We hope you are staying safe and warm today.

You can still check out our relatively new [online shop] (https://squareup.com/market/vix-emporium), containing all 21 shades [...]]]>

Just a quick note that since schools are closed today, we’ll be closed too, to dig our way out of the snow that has blanketed the region. We hope you are staying safe and warm today.

You can still check out our relatively new [online shop] (https://squareup.com/market/vix-emporium), containing all 21 shades of West Philly nail polish, gift certificates, and some picks from around the shop. We add new items often, so please check back regularly.

Well… Turns out that last night’s blizzard, predicted at anywhere from 6 to 14 inches, turned out to be a mere dusting in our area (while areas farther north were hit much harder). So although Philadelphia’s schools and many workplaces are closed, VIX will be open regular hours, 11-7 today. If [...]]]>

Well…
Turns out that last night’s blizzard, predicted at anywhere from 6 to 14 inches, turned out to be a mere dusting in our area (while areas farther north were hit much harder). So although Philadelphia’s schools and many workplaces are closed, VIX will be open regular hours, 11-7 today. If you’re off for the snow day, stop by and check out what’s new, like Philadelphia map bottle openers by Bee Vintage Redux (pictured).

Crafty vendors can also apply for the Go West Craft Fest, April 25 at The Woodlands. This Spring’s Fest will again feature 80+ of the Philly region’s finest art & craft, live music, food by local eateries, and acrobatic performances by the Tinycircus. We can’t wait to go through all the applications and check out all of the amazing creations.

Have a great day!

XO
VIX

]]>0vixemporiumhttp://www.vixemporium.com/?p=38362015-01-27T01:49:52Z2015-01-27T01:48:39ZHi there, Greetings from Blizzardelphia! VIX will be closed on Tuesday, January 27, due to the “snow emergency”. Stay warm and snug inside, or get outside and go sledding!

Crafty folks can also think ahead to Spring and apply for the Go West Craft Fest, April 25 at The Woodlands. This Spring’s Fest will [...]]]>

Hi there,
Greetings from Blizzardelphia! VIX will be closed on Tuesday, January 27, due to the “snow emergency”. Stay warm and snug inside, or get outside and go sledding!

Crafty folks can also think ahead to Spring and apply for the Go West Craft Fest, April 25 at The Woodlands. This Spring’s Fest will again feature 80+ of the Philly region’s finest art & craft, live music, food by local eateries, and acrobatic performances by the Tinycircus. We can’t wait to go through all the applications and check out all of the amazing things people are making.

Our eighth holiday season here on Baltimore Avenue has been our best ever! Thanks so much to all of our loyal customers and creative vendors for making this little Emporium what it is, a connection between independent makers and the customers who value their unique products. In a [...]]]>

Happy New Year!

Our eighth holiday season here on Baltimore Avenue has been our best ever! Thanks so much to all of our loyal customers and creative vendors for making this little Emporium what it is, a connection between independent makers and the customers who value their unique products. In a world of multinational mass production, we are so gratified to know that the “little guy” has so much support, and we are so happy to be a part of it. Cheers!

After the hectic holiday season, including an amazing time at the Holiday Go West Craft Fest, we are recuperating and getting ready to take some down time this month. VIX will be closed from January 14-21 to travel and visit family. When we get back, we’re looking forward to:

▪ Debuting 3 new hues of our West Philly Nail Polish collection, bringing it up to 21 colors! Our two newest, Dock Street Amber and Marvelous Mauve, are already in stock. We’ve had so much fun working with Esther of Philly Loves Lacquerto create this colorful tribute to our neighborhood’s quintessential people and places.

▪ Opening vendor applications for the Spring edition of Go West Craft Fest, April 25 at the Woodlands. Mark your calendar and stay tuned for information about how to apply.

▪ And of course, continuing to provide our neighborhood with unique and independently-made gifts, for Valentine’s Day and beyond. We hope you stop by for your next gift-giving need, or just to browse and be inspired by the ever-changing selection of unique wares.

As a reminder, our regular hours (apart from vacation) are:

Tuesday-Friday 11-7
Saturday 10-6
Closed Sundays & Mondays

XO
VIX

]]>0vixemporiumhttp://www.vixemporium.com/?p=37752014-11-29T13:26:07Z2014-11-29T13:26:07ZWe hope you had a wonderful Thanksgiving Day. To give thanks to you, our loyal customer, we’re having “T-Day 2-For” specials throughout the store all weekend. Stop by and take advantage of 2-for discounts on selected items throughout the store, like scarves, mittens, earrings, prints, journals, ceramics, ornaments [...]]]>

Small Business Saturday Specials

We hope you had a wonderful Thanksgiving Day. To give thanks to you, our loyal customer, we’re having “T-Day 2-For” specials throughout the store all weekend. Stop by and take advantage of 2-for discounts on selected items throughout the store, like scarves, mittens, earrings, prints, journals, ceramics, ornaments and more (including the new West Philly nail colors!) Have some hot spiced cider, look for the yellow signs to find the deals, and find great gifts for everyone on your list. American Express cardholders can also get their Small Business Saturday credit when using the card at VIX.

We’re open 10-7 Saturday. The deals will last (if supplies do) through Sunday, open 12-4. Hope to see you this weekend!

Go West Craft Fest: Holiday Edition

New poster image painted by Suzanne Francis

We’ve lined up more than 50 of Philly’s finest makers of unique holiday gifts for this year’s Go West Craft Fest holiday edition. Mark your calendar for Sunday, December 14 and peruse jewelry, knitted accessories, prints, stationery, ceramics, home wares, children’s items, soaps, candles and much more. There will be unique, delightful and affordable gifts for everyone on your holiday gift list, all made locally by independent artists, artisans and craftspeople. While you shop, enjoy treats by West Philly favorites Weckerly’s Ice Cream and the Lil’ Pop Shop. This popular annual event is from 11-5 at the Rotunda (inside and out, weather permitting), 4014 Walnut Street. Hope to see you there!

And on Small Business Saturday (November 29), we’ll offer complimentary hot cider, special deals and free gifts with purchase, to show our gratitude for your support of local small businesses.

Wishing you a joyous Thanksgiving, and safe travels to those visiting loved ones out of town.

XO
VIX

]]>0vixemporiumhttp://www.vixemporium.com/?p=37312014-10-18T22:13:41Z2014-10-18T22:11:26ZApplications are now open for Go West Craft Fest, Sunday December 14 at the Rotunda. Local makers of amazing holiday gift items are invited to apply now. All details for vendors can be found on the application page. We look forward to another fun-filled event at the historic Rotunda!

The Rotunda block print [...]]]>

Applications are now open for Go West Craft Fest, Sunday December 14 at the Rotunda. Local makers of amazing holiday gift items are invited to apply now. All details for vendors can be found on the application page. We look forward to another fun-filled event at the historic Rotunda!

The Rotunda block print by Suzanne Francis

]]>0vixemporiumhttp://www.vixemporium.com/?p=36952014-09-13T11:50:27Z2014-09-13T11:50:27ZReluctantly, we have made the call to use the rain date (Sunday 9/14) for Go West Craft Fest, based on current forecasts. Light rain is likely today while Sunday’s forecast is sunny and pleasant. The most frustrating thing is that most forecasts call for around 60% chance of light rain in the afternoon. [...]]]>

Reluctantly, we have made the call to use the rain date (Sunday 9/14) for Go West Craft Fest, based on current forecasts. Light rain is likely today while Sunday’s forecast is sunny and pleasant. The most frustrating thing is that most forecasts call for around 60% chance of light rain in the afternoon. Really it could go either way, and we have no way of knowing for sure if we are making the right call, but we think it is the wiser call. We sincerely apologize for the inconvenience – it is totally inconvenient for us too, but we would much rather have our festival on a nice day, and that is what rain dates are for. We hope you can Go West with us tomorrow in the wonderful Woodlands!

XO
VIX

]]>0vixemporiumhttp://www.vixemporium.com/?p=36552014-08-08T23:32:57Z2014-08-08T23:32:57ZLast Friday’s scheduled Cedar Park Jazz concert was postponed due to rain. Luckily, tonight’s forecast is clear and lovely, a perfect evening for this year’s final installment of the longtime Cedar Park summer tradition. Bring a lawn chair or blanket, grab a picnic dinner from Dock [...]]]>

Finale of Cedar Park Jazz Tonight

Last Friday’s scheduled Cedar Park Jazz concert was postponed due to rain. Luckily, tonight’s forecast is clear and lovely, a perfect evening for this year’s final installment of the longtime Cedar Park summer tradition. Bring a lawn chair or blanket, grab a picnic dinner from Dock Street or Taco Angeleno, and enjoy the soulful sounds of Rich Tucker and the Universal Koncept. The show is from 6-8 and VIX will be open till 8 – stop by at intermission and see what’s new

Taco Angeleno & La Colombe Team Up For Sunday Brunch

Our pals at Taco Angeleno (5019 Baltimore) are having a special Sunday Brunch Pop-Up this Sunday August 10, featuring coffee by La Colombe.From 11-2, enjoy breakfast burritos and award-winning, eye-opening coffee blends in Taco Angeleno’s lovely outdoor garden setting. We hope this is the first of many Sunday brunches at Taco Angeleno!

September’s 30th Street Craft Market is CANCELED

Unfortunately, the event we had planned for September at 30th Street Station has been cancelled, due to scheduling conflicts. We hope to return to The Porch for another event in the Spring.

However, this gives us more time to gear up for other exciting September events…

September 13: Go West Craft Fest

We’re in the process of finalizing the vendor list for beloved neighborhood event Go West Craft Fest, returning to The Woodlands for the 6th time on Saturday, September 13 from 11-5 (rain date September 14). Peruse the wondrous wares of 100 local makers, plus food from local eateries, children’s crafts, juggling performances and live music. The music lineup includes kid favorites the Green Tambourine and Jay Sand, plus Silverton, the Mellotones and Shakey Lyman. with more TBA.
We are so excited for this event and we hope you can join us! Presented by VIX Emporium and As The Crow Flies & Co.

September 18: Baltimore Avenue Dollar Stroll

On Thursday, September 16 from 5:30-8:30, it’s an encore presentation of the ever-popular Baltimore Avenue Dollar Stroll, presented by University City District and the Baltimore Avenue Business Association (BABA). Grab $1 specials from Baltimore Avenue merchants and eateries from 43rd to 51st Street, and enjoy live entertainment along the way. VIX will be offering our own hand printed “West Philly” stickers and notecards, as well as a few other surprises for just $1 each. It’s a great day to stroll on over – we hope you do!

September 19: Philly Maker Week Events at VIX and Gush

Linocut Owl Print by Laura K. Murdoch

We are excited to be participating in the very first Philly Maker Week, when various venues around town host events with makers from Philly’s tech, arts, craft, artisan and manufacturing scenes.

Our Maker Week event highlights Philadelphia artist and printmaker Laura Murdoch. VIX has carried Laura’s intricately detailed animal images for a few years now, and we are so happy to have her as a featured artist. She will display some new work as well as some of her tools and hand-carved printing blocks. From 5-8 pm, chat with Laura over light refreshments and gain some insight into the artist’s process. Prints and originals will be available for sale.

Additionally, our new neighborsGush Gallery (5015 Baltimore) will host their Maker Week event at the same time. Gallery co-proprietor Steph Whaley be demonstrating her process of making cyanotypes and showing photographic prints made with other historical photographic printing processes. She will be at the gallery from 5-8 to do demonstrations, discuss and answer any questions.

We hope you can attend both of these events and other Maker Week events around the city, and help Maker Week become a popular annual event.

One more note: next week will be your last chance to stop by VIX before our 10-day summer break. If you need any summer birthday, wedding or anniversary gifts, please keep in mind that VIX will be closed from August 17-27.